Abstract

Objectives

Amniotic fluid embolism exhibits activation of the complement system and the kallikrein-kinin and coagulofibrinolytic systems. C1 esterase inhibitor is a major inhibitor of C1 esterase and can inhibit plasma kallikrein and also factors XIIa and XIa. Its activity has been shown to be significantly lower in pregnancy and labor than in the nonpregnant state. The purpose of this study was to determine C1 esterase inhibitor activity levels in amniotic fluid embolism.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

A single university-based center.

Patients

One hundred six cases with amniotic fluid embolism in a total of 194 singleton pregnant women between January 2010 and December 2011.